Cereals fare better than other crops after early storms across Western Canada

Cereals generally fared better than other crops after early season storms caused damage across Western Canada, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

CCHA member companies are investigating about 1,000 claims of crop damage from storms that occurred June 23-July 1.

Companies contributing to this report are Rain and Hail Insurance Service, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, Palliser Insurance, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation and Municipal Hail Insurance.

“Numerous early season storms have resulted in a number of claims for the industry,” said CCHA Chairman Scott McQueen of Palliser Insurance. “Cereals have generally fared better as many were hit in the grassy stages of development and minimal damage to the plant was caused with environmental conditions being favourable so that crops that were hit by hail are able to recover.”

Here’s a look at storm damage across the region.

Alberta

Crops damaged: Barley, canola, chickpeas, corn, dry beans, lentils, mixed grain, oats, peas, sugar beets, wheat.

Communities impacted include: Stirling, Foremost, Cayley, Nanton, Vulcan, Airdrie, Crossfield, Carstairs, Didsbury, Barrhead, Three Hills.

Saskatchewan

Crops damaged: Wheat, canola, barley, oats, flax, mustard, soybeans, cereals, oil Seeds, pulses.

Communities impacted include: Arborfield, Carrot River, Glen Ewen, Oxbow, Alameda, Carnduff, Melville, North Portal, Lampman, Meyronne, Gravelbourg, Rockglen, Rosetown, Swift Current.

There were no claims reported in Manitoba during the time period.